Pan - Heftig Deftig

What a gem! We enjoyed our lunch here so much we came back the next day during our weekend trip to Essen. Everything I had (PAN Dog, Breakfast Pancakes, Pulled Jack Fries, Fries Extreme) was delicious and could be made vegan (with their own homemade plant-based meats!) The owner was also extremely friendly, service-oriented, and even provided great recs for exploring the area. Also, it was such a warm and cozy restaurant with vintage decor... so comfortable and relaxing. I'd come back here in a heartbeat if I'm ever in town.

I was a fan of this place, and came regularly every month or so. However, during my last experience, my family was visiting and I invited them here for lunch. Everyone's food was fine except my burger, which tasted like old, expired meat. I gave this feedback to the waitress, who told me they had run out of burgers and had to unfreeze some last-minute. The cook came out of the kitchen asking what the problem was, and I explained that my burger tasted as if it was expired. The cook became very aggressive, and literally ate what I left of the burger, he said it was fine for him. He did this without knowing I had already spoken to the waitress, who explained me what happened with the old, frozen meat. At least the waitress did not charge me for the burger, but the bad experience can't be undone. After this incident I never came back. I don't trust that cook and wouldn't recommend any of his food to anyone.

This is the one top best place in Essen. Such a unique cozy place, with super friendly staff. The food is ridiculously good, homey, and turns fast-food classics into tasty adventures. Almost all (or all?) food has vegetarian/vegan option, as well. And they definitely seem to put as much love into them as the meat option. They're not "inferior alternatives".

Very friendly staff, which was also very lovely with our kid. Food was so tasty and for all meals there is a vegan option as well. Prices were fair and the place looks beautiful, a bit like an old school living room. You can pay by card as well as with cash. There are a few outdoor seating places as well as indoor seating. Full recommendation. 🤘🏻🤘🏿